Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing flows of data, allowing users to easily understand how different data sources connect and interact with one another. By displaying flows as arrows with proportional widths, Sankey charts provide an intuitive way to compare and analyze complex data relationships. In this article, we’ll explore the creation and applications of Sankey charts, outlining the benefits of using them and showcasing some examples of successful implementations.
Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart involves several steps, starting with organizing your data in a specific format that can be easily interpreted by software tools such as Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, or Google Data Studio. The data typically consists of three columns: source, target, and flow. The source column represents the starting point of the flow, the target column indicates the ending point, and the flow column provides the volume or value of the data being transferred between the source and target.
Here’s an example of data that could be used to create a Sankey chart:
| Source | Target | Flow |
|——–|——–|——|
| A | B | 10 |
| A | C | 5 |
| B | C | 8 |
| C | D | 15 |
In this example, data flows from A to B and C, then from B to C, and finally from C to D. Once the data is organized in this format, you can import it into your chosen visualization tool and create a Sankey chart display.
Visualizing Flows and Connections
Sankey charts provide a clear visual representation of data flows and connections, which can help identify patterns, trends, and relationships that might not be evident in tabular data. Some key features of Sankey charts include:

1. Proportional arrows: The width of each arrow in a Sankey chart reflects the volume or value of the data flow between the source and target nodes. This allows users to quickly compare the magnitude of different flows and identify the most significant connections.
2. Node labels: Node labels can be added to the sources, targets, and intermediate nodes to provide context and identify specific entities or categories being connected.
3. Color-coded flows: Using different colors for each data flow can help distinguish between various categories or sources. This can be particularly useful when visualizing a large amount of data with many different sources and targets.

Example: Unilever’s Business Group Flow
Unilever, a global consumer goods company, used a Sankey chart to visualize the flow of business groups across its organizational structure. In this chart, each node represents a business group, and the arrows represent the relationships between the groups. By coloring the arrows based on product categories like Foods, Home Care, etc., Unilever was able to quickly identify the key connections between its different business segments.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts have a wide range of applications across various industries and fields, including:

1. Supply chain management: Sankey charts can help illustrate the flow of goods, services, or materials through a supply chain. This can aid in identifying bottlenecks, optimizing logistics, and making strategic decisions about inventory and production.
2. Energy usage and management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize energy consumption patterns within buildings or across energy systems. This can help identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency and make informed decisions about investments in renewable energy sources.
3. Network analysis: In computer networks, Sankey charts can help visualize data traffic patterns, identifying the most significant sources, destinations, and flows within a network. This can aid

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